Good Morning Girls!  Yesterday we were told to remove anything that is hindering our relationship; any addictions or influences that are stealing our affections.  If I would have read this a few years back, I would have had a laundry list of things to give up.  However, over the years, God has helped me remove these things from my life.  Some of them were obvious evils, some of them seemed innocent at the time.

I want to talk to you today, girl to girl about a situation that I think is common, seemingly innocent, but very, very, dangerous. I want to talk to you about having "guy friends".  My whole life I have had more guy friends than girls friends.  Guys were easier.  They didn't gossip, play games, or secretly compete with me.  They are simple.  They may be rude and obnoxious at times, but at least you know what you are getting into.  So, I usually had one or two girlfriends, and the rest were guys.  It had always been that way.

This wasn't a bad thing....until I was married.  You see, when I was first married, I still had these guy friends.  I still wanted to hang out with the guys.  I still wanted to ride on Jesse's motorcycle.  I still wanted to go with Joe and have a beer.  I still wanted to have lunch with Dave.  I didn't see the harm in it.  Why should I have to give up my friends just because I got married?

Girls, let me assure you, this does not work.  It does not work for many reasons.  First of all, Tom didn't like my guy friends.  He didn't think I should see my guy friends.  I wouldn't listen.  I did what I wanted. Sometimes, I simply lied to him.  The more I didn't listen, the bigger the rift between us.  The bigger the rift, the more I would find solace in my guy friends.  Now don't get me wrong, there was nothing sexual here.  However, I was seeking support, understanding, and an emotional connection from men other than Tom.  That dear girls, is as dangerous.  To have another man fill any of the roles that your husband is supposed to, is going outside of the marriage.  As innocent as you may be, it is a betrayal of your vows. 

Now I am not saying that you can never have any guy friends.   It really depends on the person, and your relationship.  Deep down you know if it is appropriate.  If you find yourself lying, sneaking, feeling guilty, or sharing things that should not be shared, these are not right relationships.  You should never go to another man for comfort or emotional support.  You should never complain to another man about your spouse.  You should never share more of yourself with a man other than your husband.

I encourage you to take some time today and examine any guy friend relationships you have.  If you are not sure if they are appropriate, ask your husband how he feels about it.  You need to be willing to respect his answer.

Assignment:
End it now.  Identify every object of lust in your life and remove it.  Single out every lie you've swallowed in pursuing forbidden pleasure and reject it.  Lust cannot be allowed to live in a back bedroom.  It must be killed and destroyed-today-and replaced with the sure promises of God and a heart filled with His perfect love.

Questions:
What did you identify as an area of lust?  What has this pursuit cost you over time? How has it led you away from the person you want to be? Write about your new commitment to seek Him-and to seek your spouse-rather than seeking after foolish desires.

1 John 2:17 The world is passing away, and also it's lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever

Love you all-
Jen